Vincent’s Table Brings Dignity and Support to Students Facing Food Insecurity

Food insecurity among US college students is a rising problem. About 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020 and it has only grown steadily worse.

True to its Vincentian mission and enduring commitment to student success, St. John’s University is expanding its efforts to assist students with their most basic needs as they work toward their degrees with the creation of Vincent’s Table, a food distribution center named after St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Congregation of the Mission. Opened in September and located at the ground level of Donovan Hall on the Queens, NY, campus the center is an outgrowth of the long-standing partnership between the University and St. John’s Bread & Life, which has served more than 20 million meals to residents throughout Brooklyn, NY, and Queens.

Since launching this initiative, the University community has quickly rallied to make it a success. Last month, more than 300 pounds of goods were donated from student drives, as well as drives coordinated by the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Campus Facilities and Services.

Over 800 pounds of food were distributed to more than 40 students, and hundreds of hours were spent by St. John’s student volunteers planning, sorting and shelving food. All students, commuters and residents, can place an order online and collect their food either at the Donovan Hall location or from discreet lockers located steps away from the building.

The space was dedicated during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony held on December 4, following the 12:15 Mass at St. Thomas More Church. Campus Minister for Athletics Rev. Richard Rock, C.M., served as homilist at Mass.

“We meet Jesus during the season of Advent; not in darkness, but in light,” Fr. Rock stressed. As the St. John’s community reflects on that friendship and care, “we bless Vincent’s Table for those people who experience food insecurity, and hopefully we can bring about a change in their lives. We know that when people experience hunger—the poor, the homeless, the students here at St. John’s, the marginalized, the migrants—they experience fear, panic, and darkness.”

He added, “Our generation at St. John’s wants to do something about it. They want people to know they have friends that care. They will have peace that can make a difference, and even in darkness, the light of Christ can shine. Today is one of those moments where we are showing actions speak louder than words.”

After Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission, blessed the space, several guests offered remarks touching on the pressing need for such a center and how closely it aligns with the University’s mission.

“The centerpiece of our new strategic plan is student success,” stressed Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, during his opening remarks. “Food insecurity is one of those factors that is impeding our student success here at St. John’s. We’ve been trying to get at the problem in a more fundamental way.”

He added, “We stand here today in front of Vincent’s Table because of the generosity of several individuals especially Thomas E. McInerney ‘64UC, ’01 HON, Board Chair Emeritus and Margaret M. Keane ‘81C, ‘87MBA, ‘19HON, Elected Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.”

The other thing the University required, Fr. Shanley explained, was concrete expertise in effectively combating food insecurity. “That’s where Bread & Life came in. They know what they’re doing. This is a partnership, and I’m confident that with that partnership we’re going to be able to serve our students.”

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM, Executive Director of St. John’s Bread & Life, stressed, “This pantry is more than shelves of food. It offers dignity, compassion, and hope. Through the power of technology, we can provide flexible access to healthy food choices and empower students to focus on learning, not their next meal.”

Mary-Elizabeth Sabo, Director of Residential Education and Basic Needs, directly oversees Vincent’s Table. “Hunger is a growing epidemic on college campuses nationwide. The typical student today wears many hats—they’re full-time students, part-time workers, involved student-leaders, and even caregivers. The last thing they need to worry about is hunger. Vincent’s Table provides a safety net and support network where students can get a meal and be connected with resources.”

She added, “My goal is to reach as many students as possible. Hunger has no place on our campus, and we are committed to providing sustaining food options to students so they can thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

A luncheon held after the dedication offered a student perspective. Crystal Anne DiBenedetto, a Management major and member of Student Government, Inc., noted that college brings many challenges. “But for many students, there’s an added worry that is often invisible: not knowing where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity is a reality on college campuses across the country—and our campus is no exception.”

She added, “For students like me, this pantry means something simple but powerful: It means access. It means dignity. It means support. It creates a safe, stigma-free environment where students can come as they are and receive what they need confidentially, respectfully, and without fear of judgement. Beyond the essentials on the shelves, this pantry offers something deeper: hope. The hope that when life becomes overwhelming, our campus community will not let anyone fall through the cracks. The hope that basic needs will not be a barrier to academic success, and the hope that together, we can build a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.”

To learn more about basic needs services at St. John's, visit stjohns.edu/food.